Another deity is Mithu Bhukia, an old freebooter, who lived in the
Central Provinces; he is venerated by the dacoits as the most clever
dacoit known in the annals of the caste, and a hut was usually
set apart for him in each hamlet, a staff carrying a white flag
being planted before it. Before setting out for a dacoity, the men
engaged would assemble at the hut of Mithu Bhukia, and, burning a
lamp before him, ask for an omen; if the wick of the lamp drooped
the omen was propitious, and the men present then set out at once on
the raid without returning home. They might not speak to each other
nor answer if challenged; for if any one spoke the charm would be
broken and the protection of Mithu Bhukia removed; and they should
either return to take the omens again or give up that particular
dacoity altogether. [203] It has been recorded as a characteristic
trait of Banjaras that they will, as a rule, not answer if spoken
to when engaged on a robbery, and the custom probably arises from
this observance; but the worship of Mithu Bhukia is now frequently
neglected. After a successful dacoity a portion of the spoil would be
set apart for Mithu Bhukia, and of the balance the Naik or headman of
the village received two shares if he participated in the crime; the
man who struck the first blow or did most towards the common object
also received two shares, and all the rest one share. With Mithu
Bhukia's share a feast was given at which thanks were returned to
him for the success of the enterprise, a burnt offering of incense
being made in his tent and a libation of liquor poured over the
flagstaff. A portion of the food was sent to the women and children,
and the men sat down to the feast. Women were not allowed to share
in the worship of Mithu Bhukia nor to enter his hut.